Japan: Cars, Robots, and Deocratic Elections

Just a little back ground. Japan has just recently had an extremely historic election. The LDP (Liberal Democratic Party) that has ruled in Japan for the last 55 years has been defeated by the LPJ (Liberal Party of Japan).

This article gives some pretty good background and history and discusses some of the implications of this election.

Japan's election: Banzai! -The Economist

What does this election mean for the United States? I think the short answer is absolutely nothing. The new Prime Minister, Yukio Hatoyama, has claimed the he wants to distance himself fro the US and become more independent but ultimately this won't mean anything. Japan will continue to be a huge ally for the US. Japan cannot afford to let this election change its relationship with it's biggest ally and trading partner. It's economy is already falling apart. With years of mounting debt and months of rising unemployment, Japan is in no position to be cutting off realtions with anyone. The Economist articel claims that "[Japan] remains dangerously dependent on its large exporters." The BCC reported that top US officals "are confident that the strong US-Japn alliance and the close partnership with continue to florish."

However, this election means absolutely everyhting to the people of Japan. The DPJ is in a crtical position. They have to prove that they are going to be able to handle the delecate Japanese economy. One wrong move could ruin everything for them. That is what happened to in 1994 with the Japan New Party. They were voted in by wanting to solve the deep corruption within the LDP and they couldn't do it. Within 11 months their coalition fell apart and the rule of Japna was effectively returned to the LDP.

This is a time of revolution for Japan; a time to forge new partnerships and gain as much support from international sources as possible.

What do you think? Leave a comment if you have an opinion on the subject!